Partition structure



June 4, 1940. G. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet} l N VE N TO R S (TEULQ? 1 A 171: B"!

/ IIIIIIIl/l/Illfl 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIIJ'IIII'IIIA II/I'll G. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1935 INVENTOR fieaijafifizl" @X z A RNEY m r A v 5 0 3 7% 4 7 0 6 r0 6 "w 6 a M w W 7 5 3/ 4567 .l

June 4, 1940.

June 4, 1940. G. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 7 P INVENTOR Patented June 4, 1940 1 PATENT OFFICE PARTITION George M. Mills, Cleveland STRUCTURE Heights, Ohio, as-

signor to The Mills Company, Cleveland, Ohio,

a corporation of Ohio Application February 21, 1935, Serial No. 7,648

5 Claims.

This invention relates to partition structures and more particularly to an improved interchangeable partition having substantially flush wall surfaces.

According to this invention, a partition structure is provided which is built from interchangeable panel units connected together in spaced relation by detachable clips. The panel units each comprise a pair of spaced metallic side wall forming sheets which are connected along the side edges thereof by channel shaped frame mem- 'bers. The vertical side edges of adjacent panels are recessed to receive cap members which cover the space between adjacent panel units. The edge recesses may be made suificiently deep so that the exposed surface of the cap member will lie substantially flush with the side wall surface of the adjacent panel units. The cap members are removable and when removed permit access to the detachable clips permitting one or more panel units to be removed, rearranged or interchanged as desired. The panel units are also preferably provided with internal recesses along jacent panel units without the edges thereof into which the edge portions of the insulating board may seat. The insulating board is held in fixed position within the panel units in close proximity to the inside face of the side wall forming sheets.

Another important feature of this invention includes the provision of a cornice assembly extending continuously over a plurality of panels which is highly resistant to lateral thrusts and whist is accessible for Wiring on both sides thereof. The cornice assembly comprises a structural member having an I-beam cross section and may be inexpensively formed by securing together a pair of sheet metal channel shaped members in back to back relation. The openings in the channel members provide pockets into which conduits and wiring may be placed on either side of the partition. A detachable cornicetrim member on each side of the partition closes the open side of the structure member. Conduits and wiring can be run through the cornice and between adobstruction.

A floor channel extends continuously under the panel units and the panel units are adjustably supported upon leveling screws which seat within the panel. Removable base members extend continuously along both sides of the partition at the floor line and conceal the floor channel, leveling screws and wiring placed under the panel units. The base members may be removably supported in position by suitable brackets attached to the flanges of the floor. channel. ;Conduits and wiring placed within the floor channel may run the full length of the partition structure and up into the cornice between any of the spaced panel units. Access to the conduits within the floor channel may be quickly had by removing the detachable base member.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved partition having substantially fiush wall surfaces, the partition comprising interchangeable panel units having removable cap members covering the joints between the panel units and presenting a substantially flush surface therewith.

Another object of this invention is to provide a partition having interchangeable panels each provided with insulating material pocketed therein in such a manner that the same will be held in proper fixed position at all times.

A further object of this invention is to. provide a partition structure having a cornice assembly which is accessible for wiring on either side of the partition and which furthermore provides a strong lateral thrust resisting framework for the partition.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interchangeable partition which is strong and sturdy in construction, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which is easy to erect, which is conveniently accessible for wiring after erection and which can be made to present a substantially flush wall surface if desired.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

In order that a clearer understanding may be had, attention is hereby directed to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application and illustrating certain possible embodiments of this invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a plurality of panel units, a door frame, cornice and base member in assembled relation, presented as illustrative of the partition construction, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate certain features thereof;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view through a portion of the panel unit and adjacent door frame, this view being taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view through the partition showing the construction where the partition abuts a wall surface, this View being taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view through adjacent panel units, this view being taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view illustrating the construction at a right angle turn, this view being taken at line of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view through the partition structure, this view being taken along line 6-45 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the partition along the floor line thereof, certain parts being broken away to illustrate the means used for vertically adjusting the panel units and removably retaining the base board in position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal cross sectional View through the cornice and adjacent panel units, this view illustrating more particularly the means used for remo vably securing the panel units to the cornice;

Fig, 9 is a fragmentary transverse cross sectional view through the partition structure taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary horizontal cross sectional view of the partition, this view being taken through the cornice along the line Iii-4i! of Fig. 9.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the specification and the several views of the drawings.

The partition generally embodies separable and interchangeable panel units connected by clips and a cornice assembly extending continuously over the units. Each panel unit is formed from a pair of metallic sheets which form the side walls of the panel. As shown more particularly in Fig. 6, the top and bottom edges of the spaced side wall sheets are connected together by a channel shaped frame member having a web portion 3 and flange portions 6. A recess which may be formed by depressing the corners of the channel member is provided which is adapted to receive the end portions of the insulating board 2. A double layer of insulating material is preferably provided, a layer being positioned adjacent each side wall forming sheet i, the layers 2 being separated so as to provide an insulating air space therebetween. The side wall forming sheets I may be secured to the flanges 6 of the frame members as by welding l or other means. The recesses or pockets thus provided between the side wall forming sheets I and the depressed portions 5 and 6 of the channel member, hold the insulating boards closely seated against the respective inside faces of the side wall forrrnng sheets I.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, vertical frame members of channel form are provided along the vertical side edges of each panel unit. The vertical frame members each comprise a web portion it and flange portions I I. The vertical side edges of the side wall form-- ing sheets l are provided with an inturned portion of flange I2 and an out-turned portion or flange extension I3 providing a recess within which a cap member 2'I seats. The portions II of the frame member are secured to the adjacent inturned portions it of the side wall forming sheets by welding or other suitable means. The vertical side edges of the insulating boards 2 are preferably pocketed between the flange portions II of the frame member and the side wall forming sheets i to further hold the insulating boards in fixed position within the panel. If desired, intermediate stiffening members (not shown) may be positioned between the side wall forming sheets I.

The recesses provided in the vertical and horizontal frame members hold the insulating boards closely against the side wall forming sheets, thus preventing the passage of sound, heat or cold through the panel. The insulating boards 2 may each be adhesively secured to the inside surface of the adjacent side wall forming sheet i, if desired. The panel units as thus constructed are economical to manufacture and assemble, are strong and durable and highly resistant to the passage of either sound, heat or cold therethrough.

The insulating boards 2 may be inserted into the panel prior to the application of either the top or the bottom horizontal frame member. When the insulating layers 2 have been put into place, the horizontal frame member is applied and secured to the side wali forming sheets I, securely locking the insulating layers in fixed position.

Adjacent panel units as illustrated in Fig. 4 may be connected together by means of suitable spacer elements 28 having laterally projecting ears ZI adapted to engage inturned portions I l provided along each side edge of the panel unit. The inturned portions I4 may be formed as a part of the side wall forming sheet I or as an inturned extension of the flanges I2 of the channel shaped frame members. A pair of clip elements 22, one positioned on each side of the panel unit, are each provided with shoulder portions which seat against a corresponding shoulder 11 formed along the vertical side edges of each panel unit. A clamping bolt 2d extends through the clip elements 22 and the flange portions 25 extending from the spacer element 26. The bolt 2 may be manipulated to clamp the shoulder portions I: of adjacent panel units in fixed position between the spacer element 28 and the clip elements 22. The panel units may thus be locked firmly together and yet may be easiiy disconnected by a simple manipulation of the clamping bolt 24. The panel unit connecting means, comprising the spacer element 20, clip elements 22 and clamping bolt 2d, are arranged in vertically spaced relation in such numbers as to properly hold the panel units firmly connected.

The space between adjacent panel units is covered by a cap member 21 located on each side of the partition. Each cap member is provided with side edge portions 29 which extend into the recess provided along the side edges of adjacent panel units. The side edge portions 29 of the cap member are arranged to seat against and substantially abut the inturned edge portions I2 of the adjacent panel units. Each cap member is also provided with an inturned portion 30 which engages the adjacent shoulder portions 23 of the clip element 22, thus retaining the cap member in fixed position. The cap member is preferably of sufficient width to bridge the space between the inturned portions I2 of adjacent panel units and of such thickness as to present a surface which is substantially flush with the side wall forming sheets I. To give the wall surface a pleasing decorative appearance each cap member may be provided with depressed formations 28 which provide the assembled partition with spaced vertically extending channel shaped grooves. Various artistic effects may be produced by providing formed depressions or extensions in the cap member and/or in the side wall forming sheets I.

A cornice assembly is provided which extends along the top of the panel units. The cornice assembly comprises a structural member of I- beam formation having detachable cornice trim members extending along the sides thereof. The cornice frame member may be formed by securing the web portions 35 of a pair of channel shaped members together in back to back arrangement. The flange portions 39 and 36 of the channel members extend laterally, the top flange 39 terminating in an upturned portion 40, and the lower flange 36 terminating in a downturned portion 37. The upper edge of the panel units seat within the recess defined by the downturned abutment portions 31. This I-beam structural member provides a strong and rigid frame which is highly resistant to lateral thrusts and which holds the panel units in fixed alignment.

Removable and replaceable cornice trim members 4| of any desired decorative design enclose the structural member from exterior view. Each trim member is provided with a downturned flange portion or flange extension 43 which hooks behind the upturned portion 40 of the cornice frame member. An upturned flange portion or flange extension 42 provided along the lower side edge of the cornice trim member is adapted to resiliently engage with the rounded end portion 38 of the abutment portion 31. The cornice trim member can be easily removed by springing the lower edge of the same outwardly so as to disengage the inturned flange portion 42 from the rounded portion 38. The cornice trim member can then be lifted upward and removed.

The cornice assembly is removably connected to the panel units by means of link members 46, as shown more particularly in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. Each link member 46, which preferably is formed as a hook, is provided with a foot portion 41' which extends through an opening in a connecting or anchor bar 45 which extends between the adjacent panel units. The ends of each connecting bar 45 seat under a transverse tie member 44 which is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the flanges I l of the vertical frame member of the panel units to form overhanging luglike abutments. The link member 45 extends through an opening in the lower flange 36 of the cornice frame member and terminates in a hook or yoke portion 48 through which a wedge key 49 may be inserted. When the wedge key 49 is driven into the hook portion the cornice assembly is drawn tightly into seating position over the panel unit. The wedge key 49 is preferably of the split type, as shown more particularly in Fig. 10, so that the connecting link may be locked in fixed position.

Means are provided for vertically adjusting and leveling each panel unit separately. As shown more particularly in Fig. 7, threaded studs 5| are secured to and project upwardly from a supporting base in the form of a channel shaped element having a web portion 54 and supporting leg portions 55. The stud supporting base is adapted to seat within a floor channel comprising a web portion 56 which rests against the floor and upstanding flange portions 51. The floor channel extends continuously under the panel units. Each stud element 55 is provided with a nut or threaded adjusting plate 52 upon which a tie member 53 secured to the flanges of the horizontal frame member of the panel unit is adapted to seat. By manipulating the threaded adjusting plate 52 the panel unit may be raised or lowered into the desired position. A threaded locking plate 58 threaded over the stud 5| may be provided to lock the leveling plate 52 in the desired adjusted position.

Where a three or four way partition intersection occurs it is understood that a similar number of stud elements 5| would be mounted upon the web portion 54 of the supporting base so that the adjacent ends of each panel unit would be separately and independently supported by a separate stud. Thus the panel units may be accurately leveled and positioned irrespective of any floor irregularities which may occur. When a panel unit is to be removed from the partition assembly the panel unit is first lowered by manipulating the supporting plates 52 supporting the same so that the upper end of the panel unit will clear the abutment portions 31 or trim members 4| of the cornice assembly. The trim members 4| of the cornice assemblymay or may not be removed as desired.

The superstructure may seat or rest upon the top flanges 39 of the cornice frame member. There is shown for purposes of illustration only, a superstructure comprising wall members i 49 connected to suitable horizontal frame members I50.

A removable and replaceable base member 69 positioned on each side of the partition extends continuously along the floor line and covers the space between the bottom of the panel units and the floor channel. Each base member is removably supported upon spaced brackets 5| positioned on each side of the partition. Each-bracket 5| is provided with a do-wnturned tongue portion 62 which engages the inside face of the flange 51 of the floor channel, thus holding the bracket in erect position. Hook portions 65 struck out from the flange l of the lower horizontal frame member are inserted through the base opening 94 of a bayonet slot cut in the bracket 55 and when the bracket is pushed downward into seating position upon the floor flange 51, the hook portions move into the neck opening 55 of the bayonet slot in which position the hook portions 65 engage the bracket and retain the same in fixed position. .An out-turned portion 5? is provided in the upper edge of each bracket behind which the down-turned flange portion 112 of the base member 85 is adapted to seat. The base member Bil may be provided with an edge portion 13 along the top edge thereof to give the base member an. appearance of thickmess. The lower edge of the base member 69 is provided with an upturned portion 58 and inturned portion 59 which terminates in a downturned flange portion 19 which is engaged by the upturned flange portion 83 of the bracket. The base member may be easily removed by lifting the same upwardly so as to disengage the downturned flange portions 12 and 19 thereof out of engagement with the upturned flange portions 53 and the clip portions 57 of the brackets 55. Access can then be had to wiring W or other conduits within the floor channel. The base member 69 can be easily replaced by forcing the downturned flange portions. 10 and 72 thereof into engagement with the upturned flange portion 63 and clip portions 67 of the supporting brackets.

When the partition is to be run from a wall surface 205, as indicated in. Fig. 3, a wall filler unit is provided which may comprise a channel shaped member having the web portion 95 thereof seated against the wall surface and secured thereto by means of suitable screws. 94. The wall channel is provided with flange portions 91 which are bent inwardly as. at 92 and then outwardly as at 93 so as to provide a housing for the side wall portions 94 of the complementary channel shaped section of the filler unit. The complementary section of the filler unit may comprise a web portion 95, having spaced apertures therein (not shown) into which the shoulder portions 2! of the spacer element 2i engage. The side wall portions 9 3 of the complementary section may be provided with inturned portions l2 and out-turned portions l3 to provide a suitable pocket recess for the cap member 21, as heretofore described. The wall filler unit as above constructed is adjustable so as to take up the space between the wall 298 and the adjacent panel unit.

Where a door opening is desired, vertical door frame members, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, are provided. The vertical door frame member comprises a channel shaped member having a web portion 88 having an abutment or strike portion 8| formed therein and side flange portions :3 which form substantially a continuation of side wall forming sheets i of the adjacent panel units. The flange portions 82 of the door frame member are provided with inturned portions l2 and outturned portions l3 which are welded to the flanges H of the channel shaped reinforcing member positioned therein. The shoulder portions 2i of the spacer element 28 are adapted to engage the inturned portions 5 3 of the door frame member in the same manner as if it were a panel member. A door frame unit can be interchanged With a panel unit as desired.

Where the partition turns at an angle, the parts may be assembled as shown in 5. A corner bracket, comprising a web portion "i l and side portion 15 of suitable shape to fit the angle condition is provided. Plates '15 which against and en,,...,ge the inturned portions of the panel unit may be removably connected to the side wall portion 15 of the connecting clip by means of a removable screw bolt ii. The side wall portion 15 of the bracket is arranged at the proper angle to properly fit the corner condition. A cap member 18 of angular form is provided with inturned portions 3i) adapted to resiliently engage the shoulder portions 23 of the angular clip member. The corner cap member :8 may be easily removed to insert wiring W or to remove the screws 'i'l' so that the partition can be taken down. An interior bead member 85 may be provided to form a finished inside corner. The bead member 85 is provided with clip portions 86 which are adapted to engage the shoulders 87 extending along the vertical side edges of the panel units. The head member 85 may be sprung into place and as easily removed.

In the partition construction above described wiring and other conduits can be run in any direction through the partition with ease and facility by simply removing the cornice trim members 4|, the cap members 27 and the base members 68.

The partition as constructed is strong and durable and well insulated against the transmission of either sound, heat or cold. The panel units, cornice, frame and trim members, door frame, base boards, post caps, door frames and hardware are assembled and formed at the factory and can be quickly erected in the field by unskilled labor. The structure lends itself to a variety of architectural designs and patterns best suited to the building interior where the partition is to be placed.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Certain subject matter disclosed herein is disclosed and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 77,268, filed April 30, 1936, now Patent No. 2,- 169,273, issued August 15, 1939.

What is claimed is:

l. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including end uprights having lugs projecting therefrom, means connecting said panel units together to form a partition with an end upright of one unit in opposed relation to an end upright of an adjacent panel unit, a cornice member extending along said panel units, and means for detachably connecting said cornice to said panel units including an anchor bar engaging the lugs of both or said opposed end uprights, a connecting memher having hooking engagement with said anchor bar and projecting through said cornice member, and a wedge-like locking member having wedging engagement between said connecting memher and said cornice member.

2. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including end uprights, means connecting said panel units together to form a partition with end uprights of adjacent panel units in opposed relation, a cornice member extending along said panel units and resting on the tops of said end uprights, and means for detachably seeming said cornice member to said panel units including a detachable anchor bar engageable with both of said opposed end uprights, a detachable connecting member engageable with said anchor bar and projecting through said cornice member, and a detachable locking wedge engageable with the projecting portion of said connecting member for drawing said cornice member tightly against the top ends of said end uprights and for locking said connecting member in position.

3. A partition construction comprising a plurality of preformed panel units, means connecting said panel units together to form a partition, a cornice member extending along said panel units and including a pair of channel members arranged with their webs in back to back abutting relation and having their flanges forming a groove slidably receiving said panel units, each of said panel units including wall forming members and a horizontally extending, channel-shaped structural member, said structural member and said cornice member together forming an inherently rigid, horizontally extending, tubular assembly, and a generally channel-shaped cornice trim member detachably engaging the flanges of each of said cornice forming channel members respectively.

4. A partition construction comprising, in combination a plurality of panel units, means connecting said panel units together to form a partition, a cornice member extending along the panel units and including a pair of channel shaped members disposed with their web portions in substantially vertically extending back-to back relationship, a flange of each channel shaped member being formed with a flat shoulder adapted to provide an abutment for a cornice trim member and another flange being provided with a rounded bead, and a cornice trim member on each side of the partition, each cornice trim member being of generally channel having a flange being formed with two spaced surfaces adapted to provide a snug abutment for a cornice trim member and another flange being provided with a projection, and a cornice trim member of generally channel shape having a U-shaped portion presenting opposite surfaces adapted to engage the said spaced surfaces respectively and a second portion adapted to resiliently engage over said projection to maintain said cornice trim member in tition.

GEO. M. MILLS.

position on said par 10 

